Magpies still in the chase for Owen

Newcastle have not given up hope of landing Real Madrid striker Michael Owen but realise they cannot compete with Liverpool or Man Scum for his signature.

It is understood the 25-year-old has indicated he could be willing to make a move to St James' Park if neither the Manchester Buckaneers or his former employers make a move for him.

While no-one on Tyneside is getting carried away by the news, it at glimmer of hope as Graeme Souness' search for a striker continues.

Their interest in Owen is long-standing, and although they always knew the chances of landing him were slim there is greater optimism than there was at the start of the week when chairman Freddy Shepherd cancelled a planned trip to Madrid to step up the pursuit.

The encouraging development came a day after the Magpies confirmed they had pulled out of their attempt to sign Fenerbahce's Nicolas Anelka at the Turkish club's request, although there have been suggestions since that the Frenchman could yet agitate for a move himself.

But what is not in any doubt is that Newcastle have to move fast if they are to avoid leaving Alan Shearer, who celebrates his 35th birthday on Saturday 24 hours before his side's opening Barclays Premiership fixture at Arsenal, fighting alone.

Real chief wants Owen to stay

Real Madrid's sporting director Arrigo Sacchi insists he wants Michael Owen to stay at the club despite mounting speculation over a return to the Premiership.

Owen admitted last week he had held brief talks with a number of top English clubs following Real's double summer swoop for strikers Robinho and Julio Baptista.

But Sacchi told Madrid sports paper AS: "I hope he stays here because he will have the respect of the whole club as he is a fantastic person. On Sunday I congratulated him on his professionalism. He did everything to perfection."

Free Michael Shields Website

Funny how things happen. Within days of Michael being arrested and jailed in Bulgaria for someone elses crime, LFC have drawn CSK Sofia (a Bulgarian team) in the Champions League qualifyer.

Yesterday, Michael Shields Snr, the father of the young Reds fan, called on all Liverpool fans travelling to Sofia to behave if they want to help the campaign to free his son.

Although Miachel's prison cell is some 2,000 miles away from the stadium, he will be in many supporters minds.

Benitez does u-turn on Owen?

Michael Owen could return to Liverpool after the Anfield board reportedly persuaded Rafael Benitez to do a u-turn on the England striker.

Benitez initially dismissed a move for Owen, but now the Daily Mirror say that the Spaniard will consider a deal if it's at the right price.

He has repeatedly said that he is looking for a centre-half rather than a centre-forward after spending £7m on Peter Crouch, but could now rush through an exit for Milan Baros to create space for Owen.

Real Madrid have had to lower their valuation after they had no takers at £16m and on Monday claimed that Newcastle and Manchester United had shown an interest.

Toon chairman Freddy Shepherd admitted they were interested, but Owen is said to have turned down a move to the north-east because they are not in the Champions League this season.

There was an official denial of contact from Old Trafford but The Sun claims that Sir Alex Ferguson does in fact retain an interest in Owen.